Applies professionally accepted, research based practices, such as Person-in-Environment holistic approach. Works cooperatively as part of the management team to develop resident-centered approaches to all center quality of care and quality of life activities. Resident advocacy responsibilities as needed to achieve or maintain a dignified existence for all residents.

Participates in new employee orientation, including but not limited to education on resident rights, abuse/neglect, behaviors and culture change/resident-centered care.

Develops and maintains a comprehensive list of services in the community (such as dentists and eyeglass repair shops that accept Medicaid). The list is available for use by center staff in obtaining needed services for residents and by residents and families upon discharge.

Social Services Specialists that are the department heads participate as members of the Performance Improvement Committee

Level I may be an assistant and takes direction from Social Services Manager or Specialist II or III.

Advocacy Functions:
Works with the resident, family/significant others and other team members to outline goals of stay at admission, the plan to meet those goals and discharge as appropriate.

Encourages involvement in family council, and assists family council with meeting arrangements.

Works with the Executive Director and Director of Nursing to determine root cause of complaints/concerns and develop ethical solutions.

Maintains professional networking relationships in the community with other social service organizations. Examples of such organizations include but are not limited to local chapters of National Association of Social Workers and local provider groups of social workers in hospitals or care management groups.

the resident, exploring possible compromises that keep the resident's best interest in mind. Examples of such activities are:

Educating the resident/family about the impact of going home before treatment goals are met. Following up with resident/family in the event of premature discharge, to avoid unnecessary rehospitalization.

Mediating therapy compliance to help resident meet personal goals, when noncompliance is an issue.

Advocating for appropriate room placement upon admission to help avoid unnecessary room moves.

Encourages interdisciplinary, resident and family involvement in a quality of life advisory committee.

Facilitates interdisciplinary review and reduction attempts of psychotropic drug use

Collaborates with Activities Department to develop activities and psychosocial interventions that support resident independence and recovery.

Performs other tasks as assigned.

Conducts job responsibilities in accordance with the standards set out in the Company's Code of Business Conduct, its policies and procedures, the Corporate Compliance Agreement, applicable federal and state laws, and applicable professional standards.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team.

Builds rapport quickly with peers and customers

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Creative problem-solving skills

Knowledge of accepted standards of practice for long-term care social workers.

Qualifications

Education:Level III: Masters Degree in Social Work or Gerontology, LCSW or LICSW preferred.

Level I: High School graduate or equivalent, completion of state approved qualifying social services education. If no state-specified training exists, individual must have completed training courses in at least the following: long term care ethics, documentation and charting, resident assessment, Medicare/Medicaid, discharge planning and advance directives.

All levels expected to complete 20 CE hours per year, or per state requirements.

Licenses/Certification:Level III: Licensure as required by state of employment

Level II: Licensure or certification as required by state of employment. LSWs must maintain licensure in states that offer bachelors level licensure.

Level I: Certification as required by the state of employment

Experience:Level II & III: One year of supervised social work experience in a health care setting working directly with individuals.

Level I: two years experience in a health care setting, one of which is full time supervised social work experience working directly with individuals.

Management/administrative experience preferred.

Disclaimer:
This description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work for this position. It is not intended to describe minor duties or other responsibilities that may be periodically assigned.